West Stow Trail

The West Stow Trail winds through one of Suffolk's most historically significant landscapes, just outside Bury Saint Edmunds. You're walking where Anglo-Saxon settlers established themselves over 1,500 years ago - and the trail passes right by the reconstructed village that brings that period to life. The path itself is straightforward, taking you through woodland and open areas where archaeologists have spent decades uncovering evidence of early medieval life.

It's brilliant for history enthusiasts and anyone keen on archaeology, though younger children might need prompting to stay engaged unless you build in a bit of storytelling. Allow a good hour to do it justice without rushing. The trail connects neatly with the West Stow Country Park, so you can easily combine it with a longer day out - the whole area offers proper scope for exploring.

If you're staying at one of the nearby parks - West Stow Pods sits just half a mile away, or Kings Forest Caravan Park is barely a mile off - this becomes an obvious morning or afternoon outing. It's free to access the trail itself, and the vibe is refreshingly low-key compared to bigger tourist attractions. Go on a weekday if you can; weekends bring school groups, which changes the atmosphere entirely. The best light for photography happens mid-morning, and there's enough to do here that it works well as part of a broader Suffolk park holiday rather than a standalone destination.